AUDIO: The addition of video cameras to interact with gaming technology was a turning point for UTAS researcher Dr Stuart Smith in using video games for patient rehabilitation, he told an IT in aged care conference last week.

The world’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) devoted to dementia developed by the University of Tasmania is set to begin on July 29 and has already attracted ‘virtual students’ from more than 30 countries.

A $3 million government grant is enabling the national roll out of the successful RedUSe program to reduce the use of sedatives in aged care. The researchers implementing the program are seeking residential homes to sign up.

The latest round up of news bites and announcements in the ageing and aged care space including the search for a new Chair of Ageing; longer waiting times in aged care; and new teaching nursing home building funded.

The University of Tasmania is taking its Associate Degree in Dementia on the road and can now offer it to aged care workers in Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle in addition to those in Tasmania and Sydney.

Minister Butler tells ABC radio Hobart: the ageing population, like climate change. is the really big challenge of the decade. Speaks about the PC report, care in the home, e-health, technology, research and the impending federal budget.